Rail travelers enraged over the enforced ban on locomotive carriages
New Era for Russian Rail Travelers
Updated: June 3, 19:55
Anastasia Konovalova
Stepping into a new era, Russian Railways (RZD) is making strides towards European standards. Here's what passengers can expect:
Uninterrupted Mealtimes
Say goodbye to the chaos of shared meal times. RZD has introduced a fixed meal schedule for lower berths and tables:
- Breakfast - 7:00 – 10:00
- Lunch - 12:00 – 15:00
- Dinner - 19:00 – 21:00
Passengers no longer have to deal with rushed meals due to bed-making scuffles. Enjoy your reserved seat at the table, worry-free!
A Civilized Train Experience
RZD's new initiatives don't stop at meal times. In response to traveler feedback, the new system aims to deepen mutual respect and reduce chaos in carriages. Mealtimes, sleep, and rest will become more manageable, as conductors gain a stronger tool to solve disputes.
Peace and Quiet
No more loud disturbances from gadgets or heated arguments. Since May, new guidelines for device usage have been enforced:
- Headphones required for music and videos
- Calls and video calls restricted to the vestibule
One out of every five complaints to RZD stems from noise disturbances. With the new norms, conflict levels should decrease by at least 30%!
A Modern Comfort Zone
Modernization doesn't just apply to rules, but also to the interior. New passenger carriages now boast features like:
- Individual climate control
- Power outlets and USB ports for each passenger
- Electronic displays with information and service calls
- Expanded dining car menu, catering to vegetarians and kids
The Moscow – Adler route even carries carriages with LED lighting and automatic air fresheners, marking the first use of these cutting-edge technologies on Russian Railways.
Pro Traveler Tips
- Familiarize yourself with the new meal schedule to avoid awkward situations.
- Carry headphones and charging devices – they're essential now!
- Respect silence and the meal schedule to turn your trip into a smooth, neighbor-friendly voyage.
This is more than just a reform. RZD is embracing modern travel principles: safety, comfort, and mutual respect are growing priorities in Russian rail travel. The new rules are a significant step towards a truly European ambiance in RZD vehicles.
Enrichment Insights:
- Interior Improvements: Possible enhancements to rolling stock with the introduction of new prototype car Model 61-4533, tested from early March 2025.
- Regulatory and Safety Enhancements: RZD's involvement with the International Union of Railways (UIC) suggests research into international standards and safety regulations.
- Global Rail Trends: The global rail industry is focusing on passenger experience improvements via better design, accessibility, and technology. While specific changes by RZD are not detailed, these broader trends might influence future upgrades.
- To align with global rail trends, the Russian rail industry is investing in modernizing its transportation systems, introducing features like individual climate control, power outlets, and USB ports in new passenger carriages.
- In an effort to deepen mutual respect and reduce chaos within public-transit environments, Russian Railways (RZD) has enforced new guidelines for device usage, requiring headphones for music and videos, and restricting calls and video calls to the vestibule.
- The Russian automotive sector seems to be interacting with the finance industry, as RZD's participation in the International Union of Railways indicates research into international standards and safety regulations, which could have significant implications for the industry's growth and development.
- As part of a broader shift towards European standards, Russian Railways (RZD) has introduced a fixed meal schedule for lower berths and tables, marking a significant change in the lifestyle and eating habits of rail travelers, with meals now being served at specific times during the day.
